Launch of 'multi-campus' concept at Midland TAFE

16/2/95

TAFE colleges and local businesses are becoming increasingly involved in providing a broader, more practical, jobs-focussed education for Western Australian high school students.

Midland has become the latest area to embrace the 'multi-campus' concept which involves the schools, training and business sectors.  The concept is already running in Hedland, Karratha and Newman, and combines work experience with classroom and workshop lessons.

Education, Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore visited the Midland College of TAFE today to launch the project, which was trialled in several Perth and country high schools last year.

Year 11 students from Swan View Senior High School have begun training in metal trades and engineering with a number of companies - including Midland Brick and Westrac - taking students for work experience.  Other businesses such as Telecom and Wiluna Mining are also involved.

The students will receive credit at TAFE and their school for the vocational training undertaken.  Other schools in Midland are expected to start similar programs in the future.

Mr Moore said the project was tailored to meet the future labour needs in the metal trades and engineering fields in the Midland area.  The aim was to provide students with more appropriate skills to meet workplace demands and to offer more flexible delivery of programs.

"More students are staying longer at school and we need to provide a broader range of study and training programs to prepare them for a wider choice of careers; not just university entrance," the Minister said.

"The 'multi-campus' idea integrates school, vocational education and training opportunities with the workplace, making it easier for students to make the transition and acknowledging that learning happens in a range of settings, not just in traditional classrooms."

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